Need for Speed Most Wanted. Arguably one of the best arcade racers back during the PS2 era. Once it had been announced that it was coming to the PS3 with a fresh lick of paint one could only imagine it's return to glory. However this was not to be.

The new version of Need for Speed Most Wanted is most definitely a Criterion game. From the way the cars handle, to the way the crashes take too long to end so you can get back to racing; it's all just too obviously Criterion.

Open world returns so be prepared to try and watch your Sat Nav as much as the road so be prepared to crash a lot due to that annoying factor. If you lose a race and wish to restart it, you will be required to push the select button repeatedly as obviously you need an intro to every race you do again and again.

Single player campaign is utterly useless. There is no story, no real reason to drive you to the end unless you are a perfectionist or have a drive to finish things when you start them. The 'upgrades' are merely add ons rather than give any real benefit to your car. Even when boosting the police will be beside you so you might as well at times turn the game into a Destruction Derby rather than Need For Speed. Racing and taking down cars afterwards to keep them is pathetic. The concept is good, however being able to beat a Veyron with a Focus and then crashing into it to take it down is just plain silly.

Online in this game is quite fun, however if you do not have friends with the game it can become a little more of the same old quite quickly. Again, there is no real drive to get you to do anything extra.

As for the graphics of the game, it's quite pretty however the cars leave a lot to be desired. Park under a tree and you can see the pixels moving across when the wind blows them. The Focus in particular looks extremely flat, however the wheels look stunning.

So all in all, useless storyline, wasted repetitive car 'upgrades' and cars that feel that they are all manufactured with the same engine. Surely this game should not be purchased then right?

Well, no. There are many different things dislikeable with this game but just there are a few things done right with the game too. Positive elements to this game are the mindless fun: being able to turn a corner with a handbrake whilst travelling at breakneck speed, the sound suits the racing as it is a mix of dancy punk rock and the tracks going through the airplane graveyard is pretty cool.

So would I recommend this game to you?

If you liked previous Burnouts (especially Paradise) then this is definitely a game for you albeit without the crash challenges.

If you are a Need For Speed Most Wanted PS2 fan like me you may want to give this one a miss. The range of cars, different feel of power, climbing your way up the ladder,modifications,battling with Cross completely outstrips this new example.

Oh and for the final nail in the coffin, this is another game one player offline. Pick up NFSMW PS2. The cars might be older but it's a much much better game plus you can play and actually interact with your friends at home.